Music festivals can get pretty hot in the summertime, especially if you’re not prepared for the heat. Whatever your festival plans may be this summer, whether it be surrounded by trees at Electric Forest or out in the desert at Burning Man, it’s important to know how to keep cool during a music festival.
Overheating Can Cause Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia occurs when the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms don’t work effectively. Most of the time, prolonged, hot, humid weather can cause a body to reach extremely dangerous temperatures. Temperatures of 104 °F (40 °C) or higher is life-threatening. Some symptoms of hyperthermia include confusion, nausea or vomiting, and rapid breathing. If a person is showing symptoms of hyperthermia, it’s critical they are moved to a cooler place and seek emergency care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The medical tents at festivals are there to help you if a situation like this were to ever occur.
How To Stay Cool At A Music Festival
Stay Hydrated
Drink lots and lots and lots of water! Chances are you probably will be dancing all day and night at the music festival. Whether it be water, Gatorade, or coconut water, staying hydrated throughout the day will help keep your body temperature down and keep you cool.
Keep in mind that water bottles at festivals can be a bit expensive. If you’re going to a camping festival, be sure to stock up on lots of water beforehand. If you’re going to a regular music festival, you may not be allowed to bring in a water bottle unless it’s empty. However, most festivals have free water refill stations. A hydration pack is a great accessory for music festivals because you don’t have to worry about carrying around a water bottle all day. You can also fill your pack up for free at the water filling stations.
Dress Cool
Nothing is worse than being hot, sweaty, and sticky. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing you can change into if you start to get uncomfortable. Keep this in mind when you start putting together your rave outfit.
Bring Fans
Bringing a fan to a summer festival will help cool you down when the sun is beating down on you all day. Fans are super convenient for when you’re in the middle of a crowd. They’re also super cute accessories that go well with almost any rave outfit. Other cooling products that are great to bring to music festivals include icepacks, spray bottles, and mini fans. Shop our psychedelic rave fans to help keep you cool (and trendy) at festivals all summer long!
Find Shade
Take a look at the festival map and get to know it beforehand. Consider taking a walk around the festival grounds once arriving too. Locate a few shady areas that are close to the stages and your campsite. Having a shaded place to go sit and relax will cool you down and help preserve your energy levels so you can dance all day long.
Take A Break
Dancing in the sun all day will take a toll on your body. It’s easy to get lost in the music and forget to take a break. Talk with your rave crew and plan out where your open times will be in between sets to stop and rest for a bit. Find some shade, hydrate, and relax. Listen to your body and take as many breaks as you need throughout the day! Your body will thank you!
Protect Your Skin
Nothing is worse than heading home or back to your campsite and realizing you’re as red as a tomato. Sunburns suck because not only do they make you red, but they can also make you feel like you have the flu. Depending on the burn, you can start to feel feverish, with chills, nausea, headache, and weakness. Pack more than enough sunblock and reapply consistently through the festival to avoid sunburns.
Eat Good Food
Certain foods can dehydrate you. Try to eat smaller meals and snacks throughout the festival to give you energy and keep you replenished.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand the dangers of high temperatures before heading to a festival. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hyperthermia and share this knowledge with your rave crew too. We hope these tips help you stay cool at festivals all summer long. And most importantly, make sure you hydrate and reapply sunblock throughout the day! Head to our blog for more helpful tips and advice like the Most Essential Festival Camping Items & Accessories.
Juliet Norelli has been a part of the rave community for 10 years. She shares her knowledge through writing to give helpful tips and advice to all ravers.